EPYC: Empowering Proactive Youth in Community

Student Success through Community Involvement: EPYC: Empowering Proactive Youth in Community

Youth in our community are falling behind in graduation rates. The 4-year graduation rate for the WRDSB is only 68%, WCDSB is 78%. In the 2016/2017 school year, 150 KW students did not earn their diploma simply because they didn’t complete their community involvement hours.

There is a disconnect between many students and their greater community. They may face any range of personal life barriers or perhaps they just don’t have the community knowledge nor confidence to get started and know how to do it meaningfully.

That’s where ourYOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, comes into play. We have worked hard to help engage youth in our local high schools – but more resources are needed to reach out toallstudents and organizations who need support and help to connect to the right volunteer experience.

On-Campus

Presentations to classes, assemblies in area high-schools

Create student-led volunteer kiosks. Our staff will create a training manual, deliver communication pieces, and stay in touch with the kiosks as they pop up.

Ideally – it would be helpful to create materials in several languages

Community youth volunteering information for teachers, guidance, parents and social justice groups

Posters for hallway boards or on social media

Weekly newsletters with detailed and current information and inspiration!

In-Community

Weekly Volunteer Action Team – students meet at our Centre to learn more

Virtual Volunteer opportunities – engage kids with skills to work at home

Student Ambassador roles – provide leadership learning opportunities

Providing an empowering employment experience in the non-profit sector